The latest newcomer to arrive on the Irish EV market is the premium XPENG brand that arrived this week, at a select number of dealers with a starting price of €42,000.

A new name for EV buyers to embrace, XPENG is distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), and the first model to appear on Irish roads: the ‘ultra-smart’ 4-door, G6 Coupé SUV.

Equipped with an alluring range of new features and new ‘know-how’ – much of it a product of their widespread use of AI technology in its development – the G6 Coupé SUV comes in three model variants: a ‘Standard’ range model and a ‘Long Range’ model (both with rear-wheel drive), and a ‘Performance’ model (with permanent all-wheel drive). The Performance model will arrive here in Q3 of this year with both Standard and Long Range models available now for customer delivery.

Rear-wheel drive Standard and Long Range versions are powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor with 0-100km/h times rated at 6.9 seconds and 6.7 seconds respectively.

G6 Standard Range models (190 kW/258 hp, 440 Nm) are powered by a 66kWh battery pack with a 435 km WLTP driving range, while the Long Range and all-wheel drive Performance versions with their larger 87.5kWh batteries have a longer WLTP range of up to 570kms on a full charge.

In addition, Performance units have 0-100kms/h acceleration of just 4.1 seconds helped by an additional electric front wheel motor that boosts output to a combined 476 hp. Optional on all models is an electrically deployable towbar with a towable capacity of 1,500 kgs.

Features present in every G6 include 20-inch rims with Michelin tyres, a large panoramic glass roof, multi-adjustable, heated and leatherette-covered seats all around, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, four USB ports, two 50W induction charging points for smartphones, a 960W audio system with 18 speakers, and an extensive library of music, video, entertainment and social media apps.

As might be expected in a vehicle developed with leading AI technology, touch-button technology is to the fore. A high-tech wonderland, the G6’s alluring exterior conceals an interior that MDL says: ‘will appeal in a way that many will find irresistible’ with voice command supports there to assist driver and passengers as required.

Standard within it are driver assistance and operating systems that include blind-spot monitoring and parking assist. All-round camera coverage, 360-degree radar, and numerous other functions are centralised on an operator-friendly touchscreen, all augmented by a digital instrument panel and steering-wheel mounted controls.

Sold through XPENG South Dublin with a country-wide network of dealers to follow, XPENG models set to arrive after the G6 Coupé SUV on to the Irish market (on dates not yet arranged) are their flagship G9 SUV, their P7 Sedan, and their ‘graciously elegant’ P7+ Fastback Sedan in all of which AI design and manufacturing technology will continue to be a key aspect.